Having a soundbar with a built-in subwoofer can greatly enhance your home theater setup. A soundbar gives you the ability to hear dialogue and other audio effects more clearly, while at the same time providing enough bass to make action scenes come alive. With a built-in subwoofer, you don’t need to worry about buying additional equipment or finding space for extra speakers.
We have researched and identified some of the best soundbars with built-in subwoofers on the market. These soundbars offer great audio performance without taking up too much space; perfect for individuals who want to enjoy their home theater setup without having to worry about finding the right spot for a separate subwoofer.
Comparison Table
| Brand | Soundbar | Channel | Size (W) | Connections | HDMI Input | Wall Mountable | Voice Assistants | Link |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Yamaha | SR-C20A | 2.1 | 23.6" | HDMI, Optical, Analog | No | Yes | No | Buy Now |
| Sony | V51x-J6 | 2.0 | 35.4" | Bluetooth, Optical, HDMI | No | Yes | No | Buy Now |
| VIZIO | V21d-J8 | 2.1 | 36.0" | Bluetooth, Optical, HDMI | No | Yes | Yes | Buy Now |
| Sonos | Beam Gen 2 | 3.0 | 25.6" | HDMI eARC, Wi-Fi | No | Yes | Yes | Buy Now |
| Sony | HT-A7000 | 7.1.2 | 51.2" | HDMI eARC, Bluetooth, Wi-Fi, Optical | Yes | Yes | Yes | Buy Now |
| Yamaha | ATS-1080 | 2.1 | 35" | HDMI, Optical, Analog | Yes | Yes | Yes | Buy Now |
| Sony | HTX8500 | 2.1 | 35.04" | HDMI eARC, Optical | Yes | Yes | No | Buy Now |
| Panasonic | SoundSlayer | 2.1 | 17" | HDMI, Optical | Yes | No | No | Buy Now |
| TCL | Alto 8i | 2.1 | 39.4" | HDMI, Optical, Analog | No | Yes | No | Buy Now |
| Rockville | ONE-BAR | 2.1 | 35" | HDMI, Optical | No | Yes | No | Buy Now |
Separate Subwoofer Vs Built-in Subwoofer Soundbar
When it comes to setting up a home theater, one of the biggest decisions you have to make is whether or not to invest in a soundbar with a built-in subwoofer. Although both options offer excellent audio quality, there are some key differences that should be considered before making your purchase.
Separate subwoofers offer a wider frequency range and greater bass response, meaning you can enjoy lower frequencies that are difficult to detect with built-in subwoofers. They also tend to be larger in size and require more setup time, as well as extra cables for connections.
On the other hand, soundbars with built-in subwoofers are more compact in size, making them easier to install and less of an eyesore. They also require fewer cables, making the setup process quicker and simpler. However, built-in subwoofers cannot produce as deep bass frequencies as a separate subwoofer, so you may not be able to enjoy the same level of sound quality.
Separate Subwoofer
- Wider frequency range
- Greater bass response
- Better sound quality
- More expensive due to extra equipment needed
- Takes up more space in your home theater setup
Built-in Subwoofer Soundbar
- Compact size
- Great aesthetics
- Less cables required
- Quicker & simpler setup process
- Not able to produce as deep bass frequencies
- It may not be good for a large space
Our Top 10 Picks
YAMAHA SR-C20A Compact Sound Bar
The YAMAHA SR-C20A Compact Sound Bar is an outstanding choice for anyone looking to bring the cinematic experience into their home. It features two 4.6 cm drivers and a built-in 7.5 cm subwoofer, delivering up to 100 W of sound output power that will fill any room with immersive audio. The soundbar also offers a variety of inputs and outputs, including two digital optical ports, one HDMI ARC out port, and one analog audio port.
It is also wall-mountable, making it suitable for any living room or entertainment area. Additionally, the soundbar includes four preset modes – stereo, standard, movie and game – so you can customize your listening experience. And with its equipped Bluetooth 5.0 connectivity, it allows you to wirelessly stream audio from your smartphone or other devices.
Model Name: SR-C20A
Speaker Type: Soundbar
Subwoofer Built-in: 1 7.5 cm
Bluetooth: 5.0
Output Power: 100W
Weight: 1.8 kg
Connectivity: 1x HDMI Out, 2x Optical, 1x Analog Audio
Wall Mountable: Yes
Sound Bar Remote: Yes
Voice Assistants: No
Dimensions (HxWxD): 2.5 x 23.6 x 3.7 inches
- 100 W of sound output power
- Multiple input and output ports
- Wall mountable design
- 4 preset modes
- No Dolby Atmos support
- Lacks voice assistant integration
Sony S100F 2.0ch Soundbar
The Sony S100F 2.0ch Soundbar is an impressive piece of audio technology. It has a slim design that allows it to fit perfectly in any room, and its built-in tweeter and two-channel speakers provide excellent sound quality. The Bass Reflex speaker extends the range of sound output, while Voice Enhancement adds clarity to each sound for a truly immersive experience.
The Sony soundbar also comes with BRAVIA SYNC and 4.1 Bluetooth capabilities, meaning you can easily connect it to your Sony TV or other audio devices. Plus, the S-Force Front Surround sound ensures that each sound is heard in its full potential. There are three ports for added convenience, including an HDMI ARC Out, Optical-audio and a USB type A (playback) port.
Dimensions: 900 x 64 x 88mm or 35.4 x 2.5 x 3.5 inches
Speaker: 2-ch with built-in tweeter
Bass Reflex Speaker: Yes
Voice Enhancement: Yes
S-Force Front Surround: Yes
BRAVIA SYNC: Yes
Bluetooth Connectivity: 4.1
Weight: 2.4kg
Voice Assistants: No
Ports: 1x HDMI ARC Out, 1x Optical-audio, USB Type A (playback)
Wall Mountable: Yes
Remote Control: Included
- Very cheap
- Slim and sleek design
- Built-in tweeter and two channel speakers
- Bass Reflex speaker
- Voice Enhancement
- Comes with three ports for convenience
- No Dolby Atmos or DTS X support
- Limited sound customization options
VIZIO V-Series V21d-J8 All-in-One 2.1 Soundbar
The VIZIO V-Series V21d-J8 All-in-One Soundbar is an excellent choice for any home theater. Its all-in-one design means it provides great sound quality in a single package and requires minimal setup, while its dual built-in subwoofers ensure a rich, full sound with deep bass.
This soundbar is also designed for both movies and music, with Dolby Audio and DTS Digital Surround support as well as four distinct listening modes: Movie, Music, Game, and Dialogue – so you can tailor the audio experience to your preference.
This soundbar connects wirelessly via Bluetooth 4.1 and has HDMI ARC out, optical, and USB (audio playback) ports for easy connection to TVs and other audio devices. With a sleek design and a weight of 2.4 kg, it is easily fitted into any home theater setup.
The Voice Assistant Support feature allows you to control the soundbar easily, using your voice. You can connect Alexa or other Voice Assistants, such as Siri or Google Assistant, to the soundbar via a AUX input or a Bluetooth connection.
Model: V21d-J8
Channels: 2.1
Four Listen Modes: Movie, Music, Game, Dialogue
Bluetooth: 4.1
Dimensions: 36.00 x 2.13 x 5.50 inches
Weight: 2.4kg
Remote: Yes
Voice Assistant Support: Yes
Wall Mountable: Yes
Ports: 1x HDMI ARC out, 1x Optical, 1x USB (WAV Audio Playback)
- Affordable price
- All-in-one design
- Dual built-in subwoofers
- Four distinct listening modes
- Voice Assistant support
- Wall-mountable
- No HDMI Inputs
- No Wi-Fi connectivity
Sonos Beam Gen 2
The Sonos Beam Gen 2 is a revolutionary soundbar that offers an immersive listening experience, with its three-channel Dolby Atmos sound and special bass boost feature. This soundbar can be controlled via the Sonos app, making it easy to manage your audio settings from anywhere. There are also many ways to control the soundbar, such as with your TV remote, Apple AirPlay 2, and voice control.
The device also supports dual-band Wi-Fi, connecting everything together over the same network. With one HDMI ARC/eARC and one Ethernet port, you can easily connect to your TV or other devices. The Sonos Beam Gen 2 has an impressive size while weighing only 2.8 kg, making it a great addition to any home theater setup. It is also compatible with the new Sonos S2 system, giving you access to even more features and capabilities.
Model: Beam Gen 2
Channels: 3.0-Channel
Special Feature: Bass Boost
App Control: Yes
Dimensions: 25.6 x 2.7 x 3.9″
Weight: 2.8 kg
WiFi: Wi-Fi 5 (802.11ac)
Compatibility: Sonos S2 systems
Ports: 1x HDMI ARC/eARC, 1x Ethernet
Control: Sonos app, TV remote, Apple AirPlay 2 and Voice
- Compact size
- Easy to control
- Supports dual-band Wi Fi
- Compatible with the new Sonos S2 system
- Outstanding sound quality with Dolby Atmos
- Limited ports
- May lack power for larger rooms
Sony HT-A7000 7.1.2ch 500W Dolby Atmos Sound Bar
The Sony HT-A7000 7.1.2ch Dolby Atmos Soundbar is an ultra-premium soundbar that delivers a powerful and immersive audio experience, with its 500W power output and 7.1.2 channels. It supports both the Dolby Atmos and DTS:X audio formats, so you can enjoy a cinematic soundscape.
It also features Bluetooth 5.0 and Wi-Fi 5 connectivity, which allows you to stream content from compatible devices. The soundbar is compatible with Google Assistant and Amazon Alexa, making it easy to control the device using your voice.
There is a variety of ports, such as one HDMI eARC out, two HDMI inputs, one optical port, and one 3.5mm jack, so you can easily connect gaming consoles and other devices to the soundbar.
The design is slim and modern, with a sleek case measuring 51.2 x 3.1 x 5.6 inches and weighing 8.7 kg. It also features Vocal Enhancement, ensuring natural and powerful vocals. The soundbar is wall-mountable, and setup is easy with the included remote commander, audio cable, and HDMI cable.
Model: HT-A7000
Channels: 7.1.2 CH
Dolby Atmos and DTS:X
Built-in Subwoofer: Yes
Power: 500W
Blueooth: 5.0
Wi-Fi: Wi-Fi 5 (802.11ac)
Voice Assistant: Yes
Pairs with BRAVIA: Yes
Dimensions: 51.2 x 3.1 x 5.6 inches
Weight: 8.7kg
Wall Mountable: Yes
Ports: 1x HDMI eARC out, 2x HDMI inputs, 1x Optical, 1x 3.5 jack
Included: Remote Commander, Audio Cable, HDMI Cable
- High build quality
- Deceivingly powerful 500W sound
- Voice assistant compatible
- Slim, modern design
- Wall mountable
- Easy setup with included accessories
- Variety of ports
- Very experensive
Yamaha ATS-1080 2.1 Channel Soundbar
The Yamaha ATS-1080 2.1 Channel Soundbar offers a high-quality listening experience that can be enjoyed by music, movie, and gaming enthusiasts alike. With its 120 total watts of power and dual built-in subwoofers, this soundbar is capable of providing crystal-clear audio in any environment.
The ATS-1080 also features Bluetooth 5.0 with Amazon Alexa support, as well as multiple sound modes for a tailored listening experience. The Yamaha soundbar is simple to set up, with just one single cable connection and wall-mountable capabilities. You can also easily stream your favorite music, enjoy movies or shows in amazing sound quality with the soundbar.
The Yamaha ATS-1080 soundbar has multiple ports for additional connectivity, including an optical port, an analog port, and a single HDMI output and input port. This allows users to easily connect the soundbar to their TV, Blu-Ray player or streaming device. The HDMI ports also support CEC for easy control from the TV remote. With its powerful audio capabilities and clever design, this soundbar is a great addition to any home theater setup.
Model: ATS-1080
Channels: 2.1
Power: 120 Total Watts
Bluetooth: 5.0
Modes: Music, TV program, Movie, Sports, Game
Weight: 7.1lbs / 3.2 kg
Dimensions (WxHxD): 35 x 5.13 x 2.13 inches
Ports: 1x Optical, 1x Analog, 1x HDMI Output and 1x HDMI Input
Wall-Mountable: Yes
Voice Control: Amazon Alexa
Included: Optical Cable
- Affordable
- Great sound and dialogue clarity
- Multiple sound modes
- Easy to set up
- Multiple ports for additional connectivity
- Wall-mountable
- Amazon Alexa support
- No Wi-Fi connection option
- No sub-bass
- Lacks Yamaha’s MusicCast multi-room audio technology
Sony HTX8500 2.1ch Dolby Atmos/DTS:X Soundbar
The Sony HTX8500 2.1-channel Dolby Atmos/DTS:X soundbar is an ideal choice for anyone looking for great sound without sacrificing style and sophistication. Its slim and elegant design ensures it fits seamlessly into any home theater system, while its dual built-in subwoofers provide superior bass and sound quality.
With a range of sound modes, including Auto Sound, Cinema, Music, Game, News, Sports and Standard, there is something to suit every occasion. The Voice Enhancement feature is also a nice touch for making sure conversations are heard clearly.
The HTX8500 has a range of ports for connecting to all your devices, including one optical port, one HDMI eARC output, and one HDMI input. Its 4K HDR compatibility also makes it great for watching movies in the highest quality.
The soundbar is wall-mountable and comes with a remote control and an HDMI cable. With its lightweight design, weighing just 3.1 kg, and dimensions of 35.04×2.52×3.78 inches, it won’t take up much space.
Model: HTX8500
Channels: 2.1
Sound Modes: 7 modes
Voice Enhancement: Yes
Bluetooth: 5.0
4K HDR Compatibility: Yes
Ports: 1x Optical, 1x HDMI eARC output, 1x HDMI input
Weight: 3.1 kg
Dimensions: 35.04 x 2.52 x 3.78 inches
Wall-mountable: Yes
In the box: Remote Control, HDMI Cable
- Slim and elegant design
- High-quality sound
- Voice enhancement feature
- Wall mountable
- 4K HDR compatibility
- Easy to setup
- Lacks Wi-Fi connectivity
- Poor low-bass
Panasonic SoundSlayer Dolby Atmos Soundbar
The Panasonic SoundSlayer SC-HTB01 soundbar is a great choice for anyone looking for a small and compact soundbar with Dolby Atmos technology. It offers Dolby Atmos surround sound and a 2.1-channel system to bring movies, music, and gaming to life with incredible clarity and detail.
The five sound modes give you the flexibility to get the most out of your audio experience, with Cinema, Music, and three Gaming (RPG, FPS, and Voice Mode) options. Plus, the 4K HDR passthrough ensures that you get the best possible picture quality from your connected devices.
The soundbar is also relatively compact and lightweight, making it easy to transport or fit within your entertainment setup. There are multiple ports available, including one HDMI ARC output, one HDMI input, and one Optical port. The accompanying remote controller makes it easy to switch between sound modes or adjust the volume without having to get up from your seat.
Model: SoundSlayer SC-HTB01
Channel: 2.1
Dolby Atmos: Yes
Bluetooth: 2.1
4K HDR passthrough: Yes
Sound Modes: Cinema, Music, and 3 Gaming
Ports: 1x HDMI ARC output, 1x HDMI input, 1x Optical
Dimensions: 17 x 2.05 x 5.2 inches
Weight: 1.8 kg
Remote Controller: Yes
- Attractive design
- Five sound modes
- Lightweight and compact
- Easy to set up and transport
- Remote controller
- HDMI input
- No wall-mount option
- Lacks analog inputs
TCL Alto 8i 2.1 Channel Dolby Atmos Sound Bar
The TCL Alto 8i 2.1 Channel Dolby Atmos Sound Bar is a great option for those looking to upgrade their home theater system. It offers an impressive 260 watts of power and dual internal subwoofers for a truly immersive audio experience. With 4.2 Bluetooth technology and Roku TV Ready, you can easily connect to your favorite streaming services.
The sound bar also has an LED indicator and EQ settings, so you can customize your sound to get the perfect balance with easy. And with one HDMI ARC, one optical, one 3.5mm AUX and one USB playback ports, you can easily connect all your devices and get the most out of this sound bar. Additionally, it is wall mountable with a wall mount kit included for easy installation.
Channels: 2.1
Power: 260 Watts
Bluetooth: 4.2
LED indicator: Yes
EQ settings: Yes
Ports: 1x HDMI ARC, 1x Optical, 1x 3.5mm AUX, 1x USB Playback
Wall mountable: Yes
Included: Optical Cable, Wall Mount kit, Remote Control
Size: 39.4 x 2.6 x 5.0 inches
- Good price
- Decent sound quality
- Easy to setup
- Dual internal subwoofers
- Roku TV Ready
- EQ settings to customize the sound
- Wall mountable with wall mount kit included
- Lack of dialogue enhancement
- No Voice Control support
- No HDMI IN port for external devices
Rockville ONE-BAR All in One SoundBar
The Rockville ONE-BAR All-in-One Sound Bar is a great choice for anyone looking for an all-in-one sound bar that can provide powerful, immersive audio. The sound bar features a built-in subwoofer, a 2.1-channel system, and 400 watts of power to deliver an expansive listening experience. It also has a variety of sound modes, including Music, Movie, 3D, and News.
You can also enjoy Bluetooth streaming capabilities with your compatible device. The LED display is easy to read and navigate, while the wall-mountable design makes installation a breeze. To add convenience to the setup, it comes with a remote control, a wall-mount kit, and a 3.5MM to RCA cable.
Model: ONE-BAR
Power: 400 Watt
Channels: 2.1 Channel
Ports: 1x HDMI (ARC), 1x Optical, 1x RCA
Dimensions: 2.6″ x 4.6″ x 35 inches
Weight: 5.95 lbs/2.7kgs
Wall Mountable: Yes
Included: Remote control, Wall-mount Kit, 3.5MM to RCA cable
- Good sound quality,
- Built-in subwoofer
- 400 watts of power
- Variety of sound modes
- Bluetooth streaming capabilities
- LED display is easy to read and navigate
- One HDMI port may not be enough
- Dialogue mode may not be as clear as other soundbars
FAQs
1. Is a soundbar with a built-in subwoofer worth it?
Yes, if you’re looking for an easy and efficient way to enhance your home theater setup without taking up too much space. Built-in subwoofers can provide plenty of bass to make action scenes come alive and are easier to install than separate subwoofers.
2. Can I use any subwoofer with my soundbar?
No, not all subwoofers are compatible with all soundbars. Different brands and models of soundbars have different specifications and requirements, so it is important to ensure compatibility before making a purchase.
3. Do you need a subwoofer to get the most out of your television experience?
No, you don’t need to have a subwoofer in order to get the most out of your television experience. However, having one can greatly enhance the audio performance and allow you to enjoy movies, shows, and games more effectively.
4. Where Should a Subwoofer Be Placed with a Soundbar?
A soundbar with a separate subwoofer should be placed in the center of your home theater setup, with the soundbar facing the front and the subwoofer located on one side. This will ensure that all frequencies are heard evenly throughout your space.
When placing the subwoofer with a soundbar, it is best to position it within 10 feet of the soundbar on the same wall. This will ensure the best sound quality and help prevent any interference.
Subwoofers should not be placed in cabinets or on shelves, as this can cause sound interference and distort the audio.
By choosing a soundbar with a wireless subwoofer, your room will look less cluttered, as the subwoofer can be placed elsewhere in the room without having any cords.
